Stop a migraine before it gets really, really bad. These are some ways that have helped chronic migraine sufferers limit (or even totally get rid of) the pain.

OTC pain relief

Manage mild migraines with over the counter medicine like ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naxopren. If that doesn’t work – or you need instant relief! — try looking for pills that have a combination  of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. Studies show they can relieve migraines about 20 minutes faster.

Prescription migraine pills

If you get more than 2 migraines a month, consider prescription migraine pills. These usually contain beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. They can manage pain and even help lower migraine frequency by blocking the brain chemicals or blood vessel activity that can trigger attacks.  

But don’t use them without a doctor’s prescription. Migraine pills may be risky for people with asthma, diabetes, low blood pressure or heart conditions.  Your doctor needs to check your medical history and set a safe and effective dosage.

Vitamin B2   

Several studies show that people who started taking 400 milligrams of Vitamin B2 had less migraine attacks. In one study, migraine frequency was cut in half; others show that you can have about 1 or 2 less attacks in one month.  

Vitamin B2 pills are safe and have no side effects. Bonus: it can also help you have healthy hair, skin and nails!

Magnesium

Research shows that people with frequent migraines tend to have magnesium deficiency. In one study, daily magnesium supplements cut frequency by over 40%.  

Start with a low-dose magnesium supplement (about 200 grams). Higher doses can give you diarrhea, especially if you’re the type who has trouble absorbing this nutrient.  

Butterbur supplements

A recent study found that taking 75 milligrams of butterbur can lower your migraine frequency by 50%. he herb butterbur can also help prevent migraine attacks, she adds. A recent study found that a daily 75 mg butterbur supplement cut migraine frequency by more than 50%. Some patients said after taking it for 16 weeks, they never had a migraine attack again.

 However, butterbur is better at preventing migraines than treating migraine pain. You’ll still need to carry other pain relief.